Fresh Fish Fried in Bed-Stuy

One of my favorite meals is Fish ‘n’ Chips, but until coming to Bed-Stuy, I didn’t know that you could find fried fish for under $10.

Unbelievably, you can find fish ‘n’ chips in Bed-Stuy for under $5, and the helpings are as large and as tasty as the $15 version in another city. There must be a difference! Even the fried fish sandwiches in this neighborhood come with enough fish to feed a family, and most of them include delicious homemade tartar sauce and hot sauce.

The only thing I can think of that’s missing from these meals is a dill pickle sliced in half. Those pickles must be really expensive...

So for this week, I decided to focus on the best fried whiting in the neighborhood. A lot of soul food restaurants, and a few fish markets in the area sell fried whiting, either as fish ‘n’ chips, by themselves or as a sandwich (usually on wheat bread).

The meals mentioned below are all under $5, but I want to give an honorable mention to Peaches Hothouse, which offers the fine dining version of a fried whiting meal. For $9 you can get their fried whiting and grits, which comes with fresh, homemade salsa arugula, and their delicious barbecue aioli. Definitely the perfect brunch item!

5. Halsey Street Grill - 260 Halsey Street
For $5 you can get an order of fish ‘n’ chips that comes with 3 thin pieces of lightly fried whiting and a heaping mound of homemade french fries. Neither the fish nor the fries are too greasy, but I would have enjoyed a little more seasoning on the fish. Still, very yummy, and more than you can eat at an incredibly low price.

4. Mama’s Secrets Restaurant - 1933 Fulton Street
This newly opened restaurant offers 3 pieces of fried whiting for $5. The fish, which is tender and meaty without being too dry, is lightly breaded with a delicious peppery seasoning. I recommend a side with the fish though, because fried whiting should never be eaten alone.

3. Thee Seven Sisters- 245 Ralph Avenue
This soul food restaurant on Ralph makes a great fish ‘n’ chips for 4.50, with 3 pieces of crispy fried whiting, breaded with a salty, cajun seasoning. Great with their homemade tartar sauce, which you can also dip the fries in.

2. Soul Food Rotisserie Kitchen - 1503 Fulton Street

Okay, if this is a contest of quantity for cost, this restaurant wins hands down! They call it a “sandwich” but seeing as there are about 6 pieces of whiting, they just give you wheat bread and tartar sauce on the side, to prepare yourself (get some more bread, this is at least 2 sandwiches). And all for 3.50! Not only that, but the thick, crispy fish is so buttery and delicious, you might even be able to eat it all!

1. Andrew Fish Market - 1228 Fulton Street

I had to give this place number one, because the flavor of the fish itself beats everywhere else. Since it is part of a fish market, the whiting is incredibly fresh, and deep fried right after you order. Next time you're on Fulton Street, you have to try this sandwich, with 3 pieces of fish, wheat bread and homemade tartar or hot sauce, all for $4!